New $12m housing project planned near Matthew Knight Arena | Business

From a press release

Environmentally wise and design-conscious students seeking housing will have a viable choice come fall when Courtside, a modern mixed-use housing project, opens east of the University of Oregon campus near Matthew Knight Arena and Market of Choice.

Located at 1410 Orchard St., the five-story, 47-unit, boutique hotel-style building will be both beautiful and high-tech and will accommodate up to 172 students, as well as a bustling retail space on the ground level.

The estimated $12 million project is being developed by project^, a Portland-based company that specializes in mixed-use and university-related projects.

“The building is very innovative in terms of its design,” said Tom Cody, Managing Partner of project^. “It represents a paradigm shift away from traditional housing to more of a progressive approach that is energetic and stylish.”

Designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects of Portland, the same firm that designed the innovative living space known as the Living-Learning Center on the UO campus and the recently completed Jaqua Center, Courtside will complement the new basketball arena, which will anchor this hip new arena district.

“This building embodies and supports the evolution of students lives, as well as their ethics regarding the environment,” said Gene Sandoval, lead architect and partner at ZGF Architects. 

“Courtside is aligned with the environmental mission of the University and students’ stewardship of the environment. It complements the evolving role of technology in daily and academic lives, and supports the revitalization of the East Campus/Franklin corridor,” Sandoval said.

If all goes as planned, it will be the first mixed-use housing project in Eugene to earn LEED Gold certification, Cody said. 

LEED, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings, promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability.

In addition to its “green” allure, the smart but simple housing project will offer students easy access to campus, shopping and the new arena. “It couldn’t be any more perfect in terms of location,” Cody said. “The community-building aspect of this is critical.”

Covered parking will be located on the ground floor along with 2,000-square feet of retail space – retail occupants have not been secured, but developers believe a café would be an appropriate fit for both students and neighbors. 

There will also be a gracious common lobby, state-of-the-art security, and water and energy features. Students will also enjoy wireless Internet service and on-site management. The second floor will include an eco roof and a common media room and lounge, which will serve as a social hub. Apartments for students will extend from floors two through five.

The three and four-bedroom apartments will range from 800 to 1,100 square feet and will include two bathrooms. Students can begin reserving space as early as spring. The property will be managed by Terry Shockley of Property Management Concepts of Eugene.

“We are excited to help bring a new energy to the east side of campus and provide the type of housing that our tenants have been requesting, just steps from campus and the arena,” Shockley said.

Expected to be complete by Sept. 1, 2010, Courtside is considered a major upgrade for the half-acre site that once included an office building that was demolished in October and was formerly owned by Steve Romania. Romania is now a partner in the project.

“I think people are going to be really surprised,” Cody said. “This youthful, high-quality community is socially more consistent with the UO campus lifestyle and architecturally consistent with the basketball arena – a livable and convenient lifestyle on the edge of campus that’s modern and sustainable.”

For those interested in learning more: promotional information, floor plan designs, and applications can be found at http://www.eugenerentals.com/, or by visiting 236 East 13th Ave. Eugene, Oregon 97401. Information is also available at http://www.livecourtside.com/.